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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Co-op's classics to deter youths | Co-op's classics to deter youths |
| (about 3 hours later) | |
| A supermarket is playing classical music outside some of its stores in Wales in a bid to discourage youngsters from congregating near its doorways. | A supermarket is playing classical music outside some of its stores in Wales in a bid to discourage youngsters from congregating near its doorways. |
| The Co-op says music by composers such as Vivaldi and Tchaikovsky makes their shops "less cool" as a "hang out". | The Co-op says music by composers such as Vivaldi and Tchaikovsky makes their shops "less cool" as a "hang out". |
| It started playing the classics at its store at Pentrebach, Merthyr Tydfil, and shops at Bedwas and Byrnhyfryd in Swansea are following suit. | It started playing the classics at its store at Pentrebach, Merthyr Tydfil, and shops at Bedwas and Byrnhyfryd in Swansea are following suit. |
| The idea follows concerns about anti-social behaviour in Wales. | The idea follows concerns about anti-social behaviour in Wales. |
| The Co-op broadcasts the taped music on external speakers outside its stores with staff controlling the volume. | The Co-op broadcasts the taped music on external speakers outside its stores with staff controlling the volume. |
| Spokesman Paul Martin said: "Some of our stores have problems with youths who gather outside and they can intimidate shoppers and our staff. | |
| "Playing the music makes our shops 'less cool' as places for youngsters to hang out, and can make life much easier for our customers and staff." | "Playing the music makes our shops 'less cool' as places for youngsters to hang out, and can make life much easier for our customers and staff." |
| One of the first companies to use piped music was Tyne and Wear Metro at some of its outlying stations. | One of the first companies to use piped music was Tyne and Wear Metro at some of its outlying stations. |
| Noisy revellers | Noisy revellers |
| Pilot projects have also been held on the London Underground and some councils have tried it at bus stations. | Pilot projects have also been held on the London Underground and some councils have tried it at bus stations. |
| "The introduction of the initiative in Bedwas and Swansea follows its success at 200 Co-operative food stores across the UK," added Mr Martin. | "The introduction of the initiative in Bedwas and Swansea follows its success at 200 Co-operative food stores across the UK," added Mr Martin. |
| Meanwhile, a businessman with three hotels in north Wales says he is worried anti-social behaviour could be adding to an already disappointing tourist season. | |
| I believe that visitors coming into Wales which are seeing this anti-social behaviour on the streets . . . it obviously gives a bad reflection Hotelier John Evans | |
| John Evans said he had complaints from guests at the White Lion in Bala, Gwynedd this weekend who could not sleep because of noise from revellers on the street. | John Evans said he had complaints from guests at the White Lion in Bala, Gwynedd this weekend who could not sleep because of noise from revellers on the street. |
| He warned those who make the trip to Wales, may think twice about returning. | He warned those who make the trip to Wales, may think twice about returning. |
| Mr Evans, a partner in Welsh Historic Inns with hotels in Gwynedd and Anglesey, said the poor summer weather and concerns about foot- and-mouth have already kept some holidaymakers away. | Mr Evans, a partner in Welsh Historic Inns with hotels in Gwynedd and Anglesey, said the poor summer weather and concerns about foot- and-mouth have already kept some holidaymakers away. |
| He said anti-social behaviour on the streets was "very disconcerting". | He said anti-social behaviour on the streets was "very disconcerting". |
| Those responsible, said Mr Evans, "seem to have no respect for anybody else who is trying to sleep at that hour of the morning". | Those responsible, said Mr Evans, "seem to have no respect for anybody else who is trying to sleep at that hour of the morning". |
| But he said he was also concerned that continuing anti-social behaviour could affect future trade. | |
| "I believe that visitors coming into Wales are seeing this anti-social behaviour on the streets - and I know it isn't just restricted to Wales - but it obviously gives a bad reflection though. | "I believe that visitors coming into Wales are seeing this anti-social behaviour on the streets - and I know it isn't just restricted to Wales - but it obviously gives a bad reflection though. |
| "That visitor is going away and he's our salesman to his friends and family." | "That visitor is going away and he's our salesman to his friends and family." |
| The hotelier's concerns are among a number raised about anti-social behaviour across the country. | |
| Around 250 people met in Pontarddulais near Swansea last week to voice their concerns about anti-social behaviour, after an alleged attack on a 56-year-old local man. | |
| Peter Matthews is recovering from his injuries after he confronted a noisy gang of youths outside his home. | Peter Matthews is recovering from his injuries after he confronted a noisy gang of youths outside his home. |